The picture that helped to change a nation
Photographer Ray Strange noticed something out of the ordinary when prime minister John Howard lifted his arms in front of a pro-gun crowd as he campaigned to bring in more restrictions. It was a sign of how heated the debate had become after the Port Arthur massacre.
The Australian is turning 60 and we invite you to celebrate with us. Every day for the coming weeks we will bring you a selection of The Australian’s journalism of the past 60 years, from news stories to features, pictures, commentary and cartoons. Today we look through the lens of photography. See the full series here.
Press photographers are a dedicated bunch. They think differently. They observe differently. They react differently. When danger unfolds in front of them, they don’t run with the mob away from the threat; they move closer and arm themselves with a lens. They train that lens on events, on people, on nature. Done well, the photographer disappears, allowing the reader to absorb the visuals. A connection is established between a significant event and an informed reader as if they were the witness. Photography can form a personal connection or a very public and united connection.
We should celebrate those photographers and the connections they helped to create. Veteran photographer for The Australian Lyndon Mechielsen showed amazing courage and presence of mind to capture the tense standoff between opposing forces in PNG in 1997. John Feder, another dedicated photographer for The Australian, in the blink of an eye went from action photographer to social historian when Nicky Winmar raised his jumper and proudly broadcast his heritage to a racist crowd.
Legendary Aus shooter Ray Strange noticed something out of the ordinary when prime minister John Howard lifted his arms, almost in a “don’t-shoot-me” gesture, to a crowd of gun owners.
All of these points in time lasted for just a few seconds – thankfully The Australian was there.
I love the images of celebration on this page. The cultural pride in our powerhouse soprano Dame Joan Sutherland at the Sydney Opera House. The gladiator-like strength of rugby captain John Eales. The larrikin grace of spin-master Shane Warne. Even the sombre celebration of Eddie Mabo’s achievements by his wife and daughters for the path he carved towards native title. Didn’t we all become aficionados, rugger fans, cricket tragics and proud Australians while we celebrated these icons?
December 1992
Paul Keating meets Anon Link, 7, after his 1992 Redfern speech addressing Indigenous disadvantage. Picture: Stephen Cooper
May 1996
Walter Mikac, his brother John, left, and friend Chris McCann leave the funeral of Walter’s wife, Nanette, and daughters, Alannah, 6, and Madeline, 3, among 35 killed in the Port Arthur massacre. Picture: Leigh Winburn
August 1997
Stuart Diver is lifted from the rubble at Thredbo where he was trapped for more than 65 hours in freezing cold after a landslide that killed his wife, Sally, and 17 others. Picture: Paul Featherstone
October 1990
Dame Joan Sutherland accepts acclaim after her last Australian stage performance, in Les Huguenots at the Sydney Opera House, a finale to the singer’s 40-year career. Picture: Colin Murty
January 1993
Bonita Mabo beside the grave of her husband, Edward Koiki Mabo, with daughters, Maleta West, left, and Bethel Ryan, in Townsville. The Mabo case led to native title in 1993. Picture: Colin Murty
April 1993
Nicky Winmar lifts his jumper and points to his skin after racial abuse from Collingwood supporters at Victoria Park. St Kilda won the match; Winmar won admiration for his stance. Picture: John Feder
June 1999
Man of the Match Shane Warne holds cricket’s World Cup trophy aloft on the dressing room balcony after Australia defeated Pakistan at Lord’s, London. Picture: AFP
June 1996
Prime minister John Howard wears a bullet-proof vest in front of a pro-gun crowd in Sale, Victoria. Howard pushes through gun control after the Port Arthur massacre. Picture: Ray Strange
March 1997
Papua New Guinea was on the verge of a military revolt with soldiers loyal to leader Jerry Singirok in conflict at Port Moresby’s Murray Barracks with those backing PM Julius Chan. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen
September 1997
Prince Philip, left, Prince William, Earl Spencer, Prince Harry and Prince Charles, now King, walk behind the coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell, AFP
December 1998
Demasted yacht VC Offshore Stand Aside waits for help in waves up to 44m, during the 54th Sydney-to-Hobart race. Six lives and five yachts were lost, with 55 sailors saved from the disastrous event.
November 1999
Dwarfing Queen Elizabeth II, Wallabies captain John Eales raises the Webb Ellis trophy after winning the 1999 Rugby World Cup against France in Wales. Picture: Nick Wilson, ALLSPORT
